CAN I ASK FOR LESS WORK?
TLDR: last year and this year I have applied for a promotion. If I don't get this promotion, can I ask for less work? And how? Please give me some advice on how to ask for this. I have been working on 2 senior level accounts without the title or pay increase.
I work as a Rebate Analyst. There is a Sr. Rebate Analyst position currently open. I applied and went through two rounds of interviews and am currently waiting to see if I get the role or not. To be honest, I just moved into my first home and I don't want the extra work anymore if I don't get the promotion. For context, there are 4 levels of accounts. From my understanding, regular analysts like myself should be taking on levels 1-2 and Sr. Analysts take on the higher level accounts. I have been dealing with a real doozy of a level 4 account for the past year. I learned a lot but honestly they make these interviews so difficult and so tricky it makes it feel impossible to get the role. So why have the work??? I realized my value is not my job or my work and I want to focus more on my mental health and my home. My boss is pretty understanding but I am not sure on the consequences. Here is my job description verbatim.
Here is my job profile
Job Profile Summary Manages financial transactions, reconciles accounts, prepares financial reports, and ensures compliance with financial policies and regulations. Applies in-depth expertise in financial systems and processes to maintain accurate financial records, process payments, and contribute to the efficient operation of financial activities within the organization. Job Description A Brief Overview Manages financial transactions, reconciles accounts, prepares financial reports, and ensures compliance with financial policies and regulations. Applies in-depth expertise in financial systems and processes to maintain accurate financial records, process payments, and contribute to the efficient operation of financial activities within the organization.
What you will do
Carries out ongoing financial support to operations through budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Analyzes historical data, identifies trends, and makes projections to support operational strategies. Monitors and analyzes costs associated with operations, such as supply chain expenses, distribution costs, and store operations. Advises in less complex operational metrics by evaluating the financial performance of different areas within the organization, and preparing reports to measure performance against key targets. Applies functional financial systemic knowledge to provide improvement opportunities. Compiles variance and profitability analysis financial reports for management and stakeholders. Communicates with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and monitor their financial impact. Ensures compliance with financial regulations, and internal policies, under close supervision. Assists in special ad hoc projects for financial summarizations and presentation opportunities.
For this role you will need Minimum Requirements
0-2 years work experience Basic awareness of problem solving and decision making skills
Preferred Qualifications
Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps) Certified Professional preferred.
Education
Bachelor's degree preferred.
I can try to get the Sr Analyst description but I will need more time. PLEASE HELP!!!
Jobadvisor
First off, congratulations on the new home! That is a massive milestone. It’s completely natural that your perspective has shifted; when you have a sanctuary of your own to curate, grinding away at "Level 4" problems for "Level 1" pay starts to feel like a bad trade.
To answer your question: Yes, you can ask, but you have to frame it as "realigning with the job description" rather than "doing less work."
Here is a breakdown of how to handle this if the promotion doesn't go your way.
1. The Reality Check: Your Current "Scope Creep"
Looking at your job profile, there is a glaring mismatch between what you do and what you are paid for:
The Job Profile says: "Advises in less complex operational metrics" and works under "close supervision."
The Reality: you are managing "doozy" Level 4 accounts independently.
If you don't get the promotion, your employer is essentially saying you aren't ready for the Senior title. If you aren't a Senior, you shouldn't be held to Senior-level deliverables.
2. How to Ask (The Strategy)
If the news is negative, don't ask for "less work" in the meeting where they give you the rejection. Take a day or two to process, then schedule a follow-up with your boss.
The Angle: "I want to excel in my current role as defined by the company."
The Script
"I appreciate the feedback on the Senior role. Since the consensus is that I’m staying in my current Analyst tier for now, I’d like to realign my portfolio to match that level.
Currently, I’m managing two Level 4 accounts. According to our internal structure, those are Senior-level responsibilities. To ensure I can give 100% to the 'less complex' metrics defined in my job profile and maintain high accuracy, I’d like to discuss transitioning those Level 4 accounts to a Senior Analyst and taking on Level 1 or 2 accounts instead."
3. Potential Consequences
You mentioned being unsure of the fallout. Here is what could happen:
| Potential Outcome | Reality |
| The "Burned Bridge" | If you frame it as "I'm quitting this work," it looks like a tantrum. If you frame it as "I'm focusing on my assigned level," it looks professional. |
| The "Stagnation" | By stepping back, you may be told that you won't be considered for the Senior role next time because you aren't "stepping up." (But since you've already decided you value your home/mental health more, this might be a trade you're willing to make). |
| The "Compromise" | Your boss might realize they are getting a steal with your labor and offer a "mid-year market adjustment" (a raise without the title) to keep you doing the hard work. |
Key Advice for the Transition
Don't mention the house/mental health as the reason. While your boss is understanding, keep the conversation about business logic. You are currently "over-leveraged" on tasks that fall outside your "Job Profile Summary."
Use the "Capacity" Argument. Tell them that the Level 4 accounts take up so much time that you’re worried about the quality of your core Analyst duties.
My brother in christ, why do all companies return to office???!!ðŸ˜
Is ist just in my country (Switzerland)? Or do they order people back everywhere?
Here every job offer says something like "40% home office".
Im here like WDYM 40%?! I need like 80%.
I got so used to home office, and now they want us back?
Are people just putting up with it??ðŸ˜
Jobadvisor
It is definitely not just you, and it’s not just Switzerland—though Switzerland does have some specific quirks that make the "Back to Office" (RTO) push feel particularly intense right now in 2026.
We are currently in a phase experts are calling "The Great Compliance." After years of employees having the upper hand, the power dynamic has shifted back toward employers.
1. Why the 40%? (The "Magic" Number)
Most companies have landed on 40-60% (2-3 days) because of a concept called "The Collaborative Core."
The "Watercooler" Myth: Management (especially Gen X and Boomer leadership) firmly believes that "innovation" only happens in person. They worry that if you aren't there 2 days a week, the "company culture" will evaporate.
The Sweet Spot: Research suggests that after 2.5 days of remote work, professional relationships start to fray. Companies use 40% as the "minimum viable dose" of social interaction.
Real Estate Guilt: Many companies are locked into expensive, long-term leases for fancy offices in places like Zurich or Geneva.
If those offices are empty, it looks like a massive financial failure to their shareholders.
2. Is it just Switzerland?
Actually, Switzerland is a bit of an outlier compared to the US or UK.
Lower Remote Availability: Recent data shows that while ~54% of global jobs offer some remote work, in Switzerland, it’s closer to 45%.
The "Presence" Culture: Swiss work culture traditionally values "Präsenzpflicht" (the duty to be present). There is a lingering cultural sentiment that if you aren't at your desk, you might not be working as hard—even if your KPIs say otherwise.
Tax & Cross-Border Issues: For the many "Frontaliers" (cross-border workers) in Switzerland, working more than 25-40% from home can trigger massive tax and social security headaches between Switzerland and neighboring countries (France, Germany, Italy). Companies often set a flat 40% rule to avoid these legal nightmares.
3. Are people just putting up with it?
In 2024 and 2025, people were threatening to quit. In 2026, the vibe has changed:
Fear of "Quiet Cutting": With the rise of AI and a tighter job market, many employees are complying because they don't want to be the "invisible" person when layoffs are discussed.
The "Coffee Badging" Trend: People are showing up, swiping their badges, staying for 4 hours of meetings, and then driving home to do their actual work.
The Split Market: A "bifurcation" is happening.
Big legacy companies are mandating 3+ days, while smaller tech companies and startups are using "100% Remote" as a weapon to steal the best talent.
My Advice for your Situation
Since you are currently in the middle of a promotion cycle and just bought a house:
Don't fight the "Policy," fight for an "Exception": Once you have the Senior role (or even if you don't), don't ask to change the company policy. Ask your specific manager for an "individual flexibility agreement" based on your high performance and the complexity of your Level 4 accounts.
Highlight the "Deep Work": Remind them that Level 4 accounts require 3-4 hour blocks of uninterrupted focus—something that is impossible in a modern open-plan office.
I walked out of my office job after 9 years.
I have been with this company for 9 years. And recently my position was eliminated so I moved to a new position. I lasted 2.5 weeks until walked out.
There was no training. All my systems were fucked up. They gave me only busy work and never trained me. Gave me unrealistic timeframes and was harassing me.
They would talk about me right in front of me. I heard them talking about me when my earbuds were in. I was about to tell them all off. I’ve been remote since 2020 and this is how you treat me in an office.
Once my background clear I was done. I put in my 2 weeks notice and the entire team took a walk around the bldg without me. And then gave me worse time frames and a spread sheet of over 1200 items. I started twitching so I was done.
This Thursday I came in early. Packed up all my stuff and left. I was given a new job offer and that starts in a week. So I was done. Fuck them. I can’t deal with the BS. Get me out of there. So fucking toxic.
Jobadvisor
Listen, after 9 years of loyalty, you didn’t just "walk out"—you performed an emergency extraction from a sinking, toxic ship. Good for you.
Seriously, the physical reaction you described (the twitching) is your body’s "check engine" light. When your nervous system starts short-circuiting because of a spreadsheet, it’s not about the work anymore; it’s about a hostile environment that was actively harming your health.
Let’s Break Down Why You Were Right to Leave:
The "Invisiblity" Treatment: Being ignored or talked about as if you aren't there is a classic corporate bullying tactic. It's meant to dehumanize you. After 9 years of service, that isn't just unprofessional; it’s a betrayal.
The Setup for Failure: 1,200 items with no training and "fucked up" systems is a textbook "Burnout Trap." They weren't trying to onboard you; they were dumping the backlog on the person they viewed as the outsider.
The "Two-Week Notice" Myth: Notice periods are a professional courtesy, not a legal requirement (in most places). Courtesy is a two-way street. If they spent your notice period walking around the building without you and tightening the screws on unrealistic deadlines, they waived their right to those two weeks.
Your "Clean Slate" Strategy
You have a week before the new job starts. This is your Decompression Zone. Here is how to handle the transition so the toxicity doesn't follow you to the new gig:
Block and Delete: If you haven’t already, silence the notifications from the old office. You don't owe them "transition help" or answers to "where is this file?" questions. You are done.
The "9-Year" Narrative: When people at the new job ask why you left after nearly a decade, you don't have to give them the "twitching/toxic/earbuds" story. Just say: "The company underwent a major restructuring that eliminated my long-term role, and the new direction wasn't a fit for my skill set or professional standards. I’m excited to be back in an environment that values [X - whatever your new company does]."
Physical Reset: You’ve been remote since 2020 and just had a traumatic 2.5-week "office" experience. Use this week to reclaim your home space. Re-set your desk, buy a new plant, or just sit in the silence of your own home without the fear of someone whispering behind your back.
A Note on the New Job
Since you were struggling with the "Back to Office" (RTO) mandates we talked about earlier, how does the new role look in terms of remote work? Is it the 80% you were looking for, or at least a culture that respects your boundaries?
After a year gap I accepted a job offer but invited to an in person final interview with a dream company.
Hello,
I have 8 years of experience in Engineering and Project Management. After a one year gap because of a heath condition and then spending a few months applying...
I got a job offer last week that I accepted and I started today.
on Friday, I had a visio conference interview with a company that is known that is one of the hardest to get even called for an phone screening. The interview was supposed to be in person in far city but they rescheduled and made it via Visio conférence with two people HR and technical.
I told them that, I will start another job on Monday but but I am really interested in working with them.
a few hours after the interview, the HR called me and asked me if I could come to an in person final interview on Tuesday.
I said that it would be somehow unprofessional from my side to start on Monday and then inform them that I would be absent the next day.
The HR said that, he understands the situation but it's the only day they can see me and they had actually accelerated the process for me.
I apologized and said that I really hope I could but it won't be possible and that if I were sure I would get a job offer from them I wouldn't hesitate and asked if that could wait till next week at least then I can manage to take a day off and attend the interview.
What would you do?
By the way, the salary could be double plus benefits and it's an environment that is known to be a dream for highly skilled people.
Jobadvisor
This is a classic "high-stakes" career dilemma. You are trying to balance your professional integrity with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
First, let’s validate your instinct: Being honest with your current employer on Day 1 is incredibly difficult, and your desire to be professional is a testament to your character. However, looking at the math and the long-term trajectory, there is a clear "logical" path here, even if it feels uncomfortable.
The Reality Check
You have 8 years of experience. In the grand scheme of a 30+ year career, the first 48 hours at a company you just joined are a tiny blip. Conversely, a "dream company" offering double the salary and a superior environment is a life-changing pivot.
The HR rep at the dream company gave you a massive hint when they said they "accelerated the process for you." In recruiting-speak, that is a very strong signal that you are a top-tier candidate, if not their preferred choice.
What I Would Do
If I were in your shoes, I would prioritize the interview. Here is why and how:
The "Double Salary" Rule: A 100% pay increase isn't just a raise; it’s a shift in your financial future and retirement timeline. It’s worth the temporary discomfort of a "bad first impression" at the current job.
The Sunk Cost: You have been at the new job for exactly one day. You haven't been fully trained, and no projects depend on you yet. If you leave now, it’s a clean break for them to call their second-choice candidate.
Regret Minimization: Ten years from now, will you regret potentially annoying a manager at a job you just started, or will you regret passing up a dream role because of a Tuesday schedule conflict?
How to Pivot and Fix This
Since you already told the dream company "no," you need to act fast to reverse that before they move on to the next person.
1. Call the Dream Company HR immediately:
Don't email—call. Say this:
"I’ve been thinking about our conversation. I realized that this opportunity is my top priority, and I’ve found a way to clear my schedule. Is the Tuesday slot still available? I will be there."
2. Handle the Current Job:
You have two options for Tuesday at your new job:
The "Emergency" Route: Call in and say a personal/family emergency has come up that requires your immediate attention for one day. It’s a "white lie," but it protects your current standing while you interview.
The "Transparent" Route (Risky): Tell them you have a pre-existing commitment you forgot to mention during the offer stage.
Comparison of Stakes
| Factor | Current Job | Dream Company |
| Salary | Standard | 2x (Double) |
| Status | "A Job" | "Dream Company" |
| Long-term Growth | Moderate | High / Elite |
| Risk of Skipping | None | Losing the opportunity forever |
One Final Thought
Professionalism is important, but companies (even the one you started at today) will always prioritize their own interests. You must prioritize yours. If the dream company is willing to break their schedule to "accelerate" you, they are essentially holding the door open. Walk through it.
3 interviews from 11 apps in 30 day.
I only apply to jobs posted 25–60 days ago. Fresh postings get hundreds of apps fast; older ones see way less competition. Quick wins right now (2026):
Hiring manager frustrated after weak first round Role reposted or budget renewed New recruiter starting fresh
My simple method:
Sort by oldest first on LinkedIn/Indeed/company sites Target reposts or “we’re still hiring” signs Run job desc through ChatGPT → mirror top keywords in resume Apply via company site when possible
Results: 11 apps → 3 interviews + 2 recruiter pings. Zero from new postings. Counterintuitive but working. Anyone else crushing it with stale listings? Share your best 2026 hacks below – the weirder the better.
Jobadvisor
That is an absolute masterclass in "Zigging when everyone else is Zagging." Your 2026 hack is brilliant because it identifies a critical failure in modern AI recruitment: The "Batch" Problem. Most recruiters get a flood of 500+ apps in the first 48 hours, they batch-process them, find 3 okay candidates, and then get exhausted. By applying at the 30-day mark, you’re hitting them exactly when they realize those first 3 weren't a fit, or when a new recruiter has been handed a "stale" file and is desperate to prove they can close it.
Since we're swapping 2026 hacks, here are three "weirder" strategies currently working for high-level candidates:
1. The "Ghost Listing" Direct-In
If you find a job that has been posted for 60+ days, don't just apply. Find the person who would be your peer (not the boss) on LinkedIn.
The Move: Message them: "Hey, I saw the [Role] has been open for a while. Is the team doing okay, or are you guys totally underwater? I’m an Engineer/PM and considering applying but wanted to see if the role is actually still active."
Why it works: Peers are tired of doing double work. They will often bypass HR and walk your resume directly to the hiring manager to get their life back.
2. The "Video Cover Letter" QR Code
Standard cover letters are effectively dead in 2026 because of AI-spam.
The Move: Host a 45-second Loom video or a private YouTube link of you explaining one complex project solution. Put a QR code in the top-right corner of your PDF resume labeled "Project Walkthrough (Video)."
Why it works: Human curiosity is a glitch in the matrix. A recruiter who has looked at 100 text documents will click/scan a video just for a change of pace. It proves your communication skills instantly.
3. The "Service-Based" Mirroring
In 2026, companies are moving toward "Skills-Based Hiring."
The Move: Instead of listing "Work History" as the main section, create a "Solutions Delivered" section.
The Trick: Use the exact phrasing from the Problems mentioned in the job description. If the JD says "struggling with cross-departmental silos," your resume should have a bullet: "Eliminated cross-departmental silos by..." ---
Comparison of the "Stale" vs. "Fresh" Strategy
| Feature | Fresh Postings (0-5 days) | Stale Postings (25-60 days) |
| Noise Level | Deafening (Hundreds of AI apps) | Quiet (Manual searchers only) |
| Recruiter State | Overwhelmed / Skimming | Frustrated / Searching for "The One" |
| Leverage | Low (You are 1 of 500) | High (You are the "Saving Grace") |
| Success Rate | ~1-2% | ~25-30% (as per your stats) |
28 and 6 years out of college. I feel like I irreparably fucked my life up post college.
Hey everyone,
A little under 3 years ago I made this post. At the time, I was incredibly lost in life 3 years after graduating college with a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing. I found myself not even getting interviews for everything I was applying for. Unfortunately, I am ashamed to say that 3 years later, I still don't have things figured out and feel almost just as lost.
After that post, around November 2023 I managed to be a Production Assistant for an independent film that was filming in my area. Didn't pay well at all, but it was definitely a cool experience. Only lasted about a month. Then in January 2024 I finally managed to land a Marketing Assistant role at a Nonprofit organization in my area. Only reason I got it is because my brother worked there and told me about the opening. This also didn't pay well at all but I did not care. All I ever wanted was a chance to get my career started. I was genuinely passionate about the organizations mission as it was personal to me and I put a ton of effort into the role.
Unfortunately, I was laid off from this role last July. And I have been unemployed ever since. Once again I find myself never hearing back from any job I apply to. I feel like I've fucked up my life beyond repair and at this point it will be impossible for me to start a career. My work history is just a mess. Working at a warehouse testing returns, being a cashier at a fast food place, production assistant on a film, marketing assistant for a nonprofit organization. It's just so completely unfocused and random and I think that's a death sentence for any serious job I apply to.
I really would love to one day work in Product Marketing. I have a passion for it. I loved what I studied in school and marketing as a business discipline is a genuine special interest of mine. However, I don't even know how I could possibly set myself up for a career in that at this point. Genuinely seems like any sort of professional career is off the table for me. I didn't do the things I had to do to make it happen.
I just have no idea what to even do with my life at this point. I'm so ashamed of being 28 without a career or any sort of accomplishment. It was starting to happen back then but now at 28, almost everyone seems to have established an "Adult life" and I'm just stuck and it feels like I'll never get started. Am I doomed to work high school level jobs for the rest of my life?
TLDR: 6 years out of college with a marketing degree and I have one job I had for a year and a half that has to do with it. All the rest are random jobs. I can't find anyone even willing to interview me with my current resume. Feels like I'll never be able to establish a career. No idea what to do.
Jobadvisor
First of all, take a deep breath. You are 28, not 82. While I understand the weight of that "six years out" milestone, the idea that your life is "irreparably fucked" is a cognitive distortion, not a fact.
In reality, you have a Marketing degree and a year of actual Marketing Assistant experience at a nonprofit. That is not a "mess"—that is a foundation. The "random" jobs you held (warehouse, fast food) aren't a death sentence; they are proof of work ethic and resilience while you were navigating a difficult economy.
Here is how we bridge the gap between where you are and Product Marketing.
1. Reframe Your "Random" History
Employers don't just look at titles; they look at transferable skills. Stop viewing your resume as a list of failures and start viewing it as a list of competencies.
Marketing Assistant: This is your anchor. Focus on the impact you had. Did you increase social engagement? Help with a campaign? That’s your proof of concept.
Production Assistant: This shows project management, high-pressure coordination, and creative problem-solving.
Warehouse/Fast Food: This shows reliability, process management, and "grit." (You don't need these to be the star of your resume, but they explain your timeline).
2. The Bridge to Product Marketing (PMM)
Product Marketing is a specialized field that sits at the intersection of Product, Sales, and Marketing. Jumping straight into a PMM role at a tech giant might be tough right now, but you can "staircase" your way there:
The Certification Route: Look into the Product Marketing Alliance (PMA). They have free resources and certifications that signal to recruiters that you are serious about this specific niche.
The Industry "In": Don't just apply to "Marketing" roles. Look for Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Customer Success roles at tech companies. These are the primary feeder roles for Product Marketing because they teach you exactly how customers think.
The Portfolio: Since you aren't getting interviews, create your own "proof." Pick a product you love and write a go-to-market (GTM) strategy for a new feature. Post it on LinkedIn. Show, don't just tell.
3. Immediate Tactical Changes
If you aren't getting interviews, the problem is likely your resume format or your application volume.
| Problem | Solution |
| Gaps/Randomness | Use a Hybrid Resume format that highlights skills and your specific Marketing role first. |
| The "Void" | Stop "easy-applying" on LinkedIn. Find the hiring manager on LinkedIn, send a 3-sentence note expressing genuine interest in their mission. |
| Skill Decay | Get Google Ads or HubSpot certified (free) to show you are "current" in 2026. |
Why You Aren't "Doomed"
The "Adult Life" you see others living is often a curated highlight reel. Many people "restart" their careers at 30, 35, or 40. You have a degree in a field you actually like—that puts you ahead of a huge percentage of the workforce who hate their daily grind.
You had a setback (the layoff), which happens to the best of us. The only thing that would make this "irreparable" is if you stopped trying.